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$839.00 – $1,299.00
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$299.00 – $949.00
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$1,599.00
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$1,559.00 – $2,399.00
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$789.00
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$829.00
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$1,199.00 – $1,319.00
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$84.95 – $449.00
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$149.00
Gopher offers high-quality football equipment designed for schools, PE teachers, and coaches who need reliable gear every day. From football equipment for kids to official game day solutions, every product is built to last and support active, engaging skill development and/or competitive play. We are committed to helping educators and coaches run safe, organized, and effective programs at every level.
Below you will find a football equipment list, considerations for selecting equipment, and why purchasing football gear from Gopher matters!
What football equipment do I need?
A complete american football equipment list starts with the basics that get students and players on the field. This includes:
- Footballs
- Gopher offers a wide variety of balls, from introductory grippy footballs for beginners to official sizes and advanced options like Wilson GST footballs for older students and competitive play.
- Not sure what type or size football to buy? Read our Sport Tip: Which football is right for me?
- Consider Protective Gear
- Headgear and mouthguards reduce the risk of injury when players make contact.
- Practice & Training Equipment
- Tackle trainers, sleds, and agility trainers condition athletes for competitive play.
- Field Equipment
- Make yard lines highly visible and add goal posts to endzones.
- Storage Bags
- Organize and transport balls and other small accessories with ease.
- Coaching Supplies
- Accessories keep coaches organized and ready for gameplay.
Looking for Rugby balls? We have those, too! Our football accessories and field equipment complement the sport of Rugby well.
How do I choose the right football gear?
High-quality training equipment is key to building skills and reducing injuries. Selecting the right youth football equipment starts with age-appropriate sizing and proper fit to ensure safety and ease of use. Look for products that meet competitive specifications or safety standards, where applicable, to support safe and compliant participation.
Whether outfitting an entire team or purchasing for individual use, durable options and the right accessories, like football equipment bags help streamline program management.
Keep the setting & age group in mind
- In PE classes
- Minimal equipment beyond footballs is needed to introduce and play the sport
- Younger students and beginners benefit from Pee Wee or Junior balls in softer materials or bright Rainbow colors as they build confidence in catching and throwing.
- Older students may require Youth or Official size balls in composite leather or genuine leather that meet certain specifications (such as NFHS) for a gameday experience.
- Not sure what size football to buy? Read our Sport Tip: Which football is right for me?
- Field equipment or even cones/markers clearly define boundaries and help structure drills or stations so the focus stays on activity, not setup or configurations.
- Minimal equipment beyond footballs is needed to introduce and play the sport
- In rec leagues or athletic programs
- Buy footballs that meet program requirements, such as NFHS specifications.
- Add protective gear if player contact will occur.
- Purchase field equipment, training essentials, and coaching accessories.
- This additional equipment provides proper setup for effective skill building and gameplay, setting up players for success.
- A simple whistle or clipboard can make a big difference in coaches running a productive practice or game.
Consider your group size
- Plan for enough equipment to keep the entire class or team actively participating.
- Consider the setup required for stations or multiple drills. Markers for one field setup or just a few footballs may not be adequate.
Wondering where to buy football equipment?
Gopher is a trusted source for youth and sports gear—known for durable, teacher-tested products that stand up to institutional use. This primary focus helps programs avoid frequent replacements and reduce long-term costs, stretching your budget further.
With dependable customer support, fast shipping, and a satisfaction guarantee, we make it easy to find football gear on a budget without compromising quality!
Ready to outfit your program with the football essentials? We’re here to help! Whether you are building a new program or expanding/upgrading existing gear, we have everything you need to succeed. Shop now to find the right equipment or contact our team for expert recommendations tailored to your school or program today. And remember, it’s all backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Selecting the correct football size ensures proper technique and safer play for all participants. Footballs follow four standard sizing options: We’ve gathered answers to the most common football questions to make your shopping experience simple. Whether you’re looking for details about equipment, tools to make coaching easier, or care and usage instruction, you’ll find everything you need right here.
Questions are organized by category and include detailed answers, practical tips, and helpful resources that support your frequently asked questions.
What size football do I need?
Selecting the correct football size ensures proper technique and safer play for all participants. Footballs follow four standard sizing options:
| Size | Diameter | Age Level |
| Pee Wee | 10"L x 5-¾" | Early elementary, typically K-2 |
| Junior | 10-¾"L x 6" | Upper elementary students |
| Youth | 11"L x 6-½" | Middle school athletes |
| Official | 11"L x 7" | High school players and beyond, usually meeting specifications for competitive play |
What is the best football material for PE classes versus official games?
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Rubber and stitched rubber footballs, like Gopher Performer are ideal for physical education because they are durable and handle frequent use.
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Composite options (Gopher Comp 1000) or synthetic balls (Rainbow Victory 1000) offer a grippy football surface for better control during drills.
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Leather footballs, such as Wilson GST models, are best suited for competitive games and advanced players.
Are foam footballs a good option for beginners?
Yes! They are softer, easier to catch, and help build confidence, making them a great choice for introductory skill-building and inclusive activities. Gopher SoftToss Footballs are a great foam option and come in bright Rainbow colors for added fun and organization!
How do I choose footballs that will last all season?
All the balls Gopher offers are designed for institutional use and built to last; however, some materials are more durable than others. Look for rubber or high-quality composite covers for PE classes and practices. Rotating footballs and storing them properly indoors can also extend their lifespan.
Does Gopher offer footballs that meet specifications for high school or college games?
Yes! Many of our footballs meet NFHS specifications or NCAA regulations. Some examples include:
NFHS
NFS & NCAA
How are football and rugby the same? Different?
Rugby and American football share a common origin, so they have several similarities-but they differ quite a bit in gameplay, equipment, and structure. Rugby emphasizes continuous movement, endurance, and ball control, while football focuses more on set plays, specialization, and strategic pauses.
Similarities
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Ball Shape - Both use an oval-shaped ball designed for passing and kicking.
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Objective - Teams aim to advance the ball downfield and score points in an end zone/try zone.
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Physical Play - Both are contact sports involving tackling, blocking (football), and physical contests for possession.
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Team Strategy - Success depends on teamwork, positioning, and coordinated plays.
Differences
Game Flow
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Rugby - Continuous play with minimal stoppages; players must stay engaged and move constantly.
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Football - Stop-and-start structure with set plays between downs.
Passing Rules
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Rugby - The ball can only be passed backward or laterally.
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Football - Forward passes are allowed (one per play), creating a very different offensive strategy.
Equipment
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Rugby - Minimal gear (mouthguard, optional soft headgear). No pads or helmets.
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Football - Extensive protective equipment (helmet, shoulder pads, etc.).
Team Size
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Rugby - Typically 15 players (or 7 in rugby sevens).
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Football - 11 players on the field per team.
Tackling & Possession
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Rugby - After a tackle, play continues; players compete for the ball immediately.
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Football - Play stops after a tackle, and the next down begins.
Scoring
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Rugby - Points are scored by grounding the ball in the try zone ("try") or kicking.
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Football - Touchdowns, field goals, and extra points follow structured scoring plays.
What size rugby ball should I use for my students?
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Size 4 for elementary to middle school players (ages 9-15).
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Size 5 for high school and adult players (ages 15 and up).
Do rugby balls have laces?
No, rugby balls do not have laces. Unlike American footballs, rugby balls have a smooth, continuous outer cover (usually rubber or synthetic materials like PVC). The panels are stitched or bonded together internally, so there's no external lacing.
Instead of laces, rugby balls rely on textured or dimpled surfaces for grip and tacky coatings to improve handling in all conditions
What's the difference between training and match balls?
Rugby training balls are built for durability and frequent use, while rugby match balls offer enhanced performance for competitive play.
Are these rugby balls suitable for outdoor use?
Yes, Gopher rugby balls feature durable covers designed to handle outdoor fields and regular PE use.
How many rugby balls do I need for a class?
For maximum participation, aim for 1 ball per 2-3 students.
How should I care for rugby balls?
Store them in a cool, dry place indoors, avoid overinflation, and clean surfaces regularly to maintain grip and longevity.
What protective gear do football players wear?
Football players typically wear helmets, football mouth guards, gloves, and compression gear to protect against impact and improve performance. The more advanced play is, the more safety gear that is needed.
What is the most important protective gear for youth football?
Helmets and football mouthpieces are essential, as they help protect a player's head and teeth during play.
How do I choose the right size football headgear?
Measure the player’s head circumference and match it to manufacturer sizing guidelines to ensure a secure, comfortable fit. See a product's description for specifics.
Are flag football helmets necessary?
Flag football helmets for youth are often recommended for younger players to provide added safety while learning the game.
How often should football protective gear be replaced?
Gear should be inspected regularly and replaced when signs of wear, damage, or reduced effectiveness appear. See manufacturer's guidelines for specifics.
What practice equipment do you need for football training?
A complete setup includes tackling trainers, sled trainers, agility tools, passing aids, and field equipment (yard and down markers). The exact mix depends on age and skill level. Contact Gopher's team for recommendations!
How durable is Gopher football equipment?
Our equipment is built for daily use in schools and high-volume programs, ensuring long-term reliability.
Can this equipment be used for multiple age groups?
Yes! Many items are versatile and inclusive for all skill levels, making them ideal for PE classes and team practices.
Do you offer help choosing equipment?
Yes! Gopher provides expert support to help educators and coaches select the best equipment for their needs. Contact us today!
What is included in a football field equipment list?
A complete football field equipment list typically includes field markers, cones, football yard markers, flags, down boxes, and measurement tools.
What are the best options for football field markers?
Highly visible cones, sideline markers, and throw down markers are ideal for quickly setting up safe, flexible play areas.
How do I maintain football field equipment?
Store equipment in properly-sized bags, carts, or containers; clean items regularly, and replace worn parts as needed to extend product life.
Can this equipment be used for PE classes and games?
Yes! Most football field accessories are versatile and designed to support both instructional activities and competitive play.
What size football storage bag do I need for my program?
The right size depends on how many footballs you have. Smaller classes or teams may only need a single football mesh bag, while larger groups benefit from higher-capacity football storage bags or carts to keep everything organized. See our Sport Tip for bag sizes and approximate capacities!
Are mesh or nylon bags better for football storage?
Both serve different needs. A football mesh bag is great standard option that is best for ventilation and drying wet equipment, while nylon bags offer added durability and weather resistance for long-term football equipment storage.
How can proper storage extend the life of footballs?
Using dedicated football equipment storage helps protect balls from moisture, dirt, and unnecessary wear. Keeping equipment organized and off the ground supports longer product life and consistent performance.
What is the best storage solution for schools with large classes?
For larger groups, combining football storage bags with carts or lockers is often the most effective solution. This setup provides easy access during class while supporting efficient football equipment storage for schools.
How do storage solutions help improve class management?
Organized storage allows teachers and coaches to quickly distribute and collect equipment, reducing downtime and keeping students engaged. Reliable football equipment storage for schools supports smoother transitions and more active learning time.
What football coach equipment is most important to start with?
Start with essentials like whistles, cones, clipboards, and a stopwatch. These tools cover communication, drill setup, and time management.
How do I keep football coaching gear organized?
Use storage carts, labeled bins, and equipment bags to group similar items together for easy access and transport.
What should I look for in durable coaching equipment?
Choose products that are built to last, easy to use, and designed for repeated daily use in school or team settings.